Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Observing becomes Great Achievements
What this change means
Heaven gathers inside the mountain as four lines move: the first, second, third and fifth. The two still lines of 26 Great Achievements carry the reading. The fourth says that if you watch the circumstances and spot obstacles before they arise, getting ready to overcome them when the time comes, you'll succeed. The top line says everything favors you right now, with help coming from Heaven.
So the careful observation of the starting hexagram pays off here. What you've seen lets you anticipate, and anticipation opens the way to unusual, ambitious action. Keep looking ahead, prepare for what could block you, and then move with confidence. The moment is generous. Watch for letting good fortune make you careless about the obstacles you could have foreseen; foresight is what turns this favorable time into lasting achievement.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 26 Great Achievements, which stays still
If you watch the circumstances and spot obstacles before they arise, preparing to overcome them when the time comes, you'll succeed.
The board on the calf's horns. Great good fortune.
- Line 6 of 26 Great Achievements, which stays still
Everything is in your favor right now; success is assured. You'll receive help from Heaven.
How wide the roads of heaven. Success.
- The judgment of 20 Observing
Observe before you act. Right now you're a source of inspiration for others, and at the same time you need to observe those who inspire you. This will let things unfold at the right moment, and perfectly.
Hands washed, the offering not yet made. There is sincere trust, solemn and grave.
- Line 1 of 20 Observing
It doesn't help to stop at appearances when you observe something. Go beyond simple looking: connect the facts.
Looking like a child. For the petty person, no fault; for the noble person, distress.
- Line 2 of 20 Observing
If your perception is subjective, you'll stay on the surface and never reach the heart of the situation.
Peeking through a crack. A woman's constancy is favorable.
- Line 3 of 20 Observing
Observing yourself, along with the signs coming from outside, will give you a full view of the situation and let you decide whether to advance or pull back.
Contemplating my own life: advancing or withdrawing.
- Line 5 of 20 Observing
If you observe responsibly, you'll see how similar situations turned out in the past and can apply the corrections now.
Contemplating my own life. For the noble person, no fault.
- The judgment of 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.
Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
26 Great Achievements → 20 Observinglines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Observing
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.